Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has reversed her initial decision to immediately resume plenary on Tuesday, choosing instead to await the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court judgment that nullified her suspension.
The lawmaker, who had previously announced her intention to return to the Senate chamber promptly, made the U-turn on Monday, stating that her next steps would be contingent on receiving the official court document.
This shift occurred amidst heightened tension at the National Assembly, where an unusual security buildup suggested expectations of a dramatic return.
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Despite public sentiment and the court’s declaration that her six-month suspension was unconstitutional and excessive, a legal advisory from the Senate’s counsel, Paul Daudu, SAN, dated July 5, maintained that the judgment did not contain any enforceable directive for her reinstatement.
Speaking on AIT, Senator Natasha defended her continued service to her constituents during her suspension, highlighting completed development projects and progress on key legislative initiatives, particularly her proposed Gold Reserve Bill.
She warned that her exclusion from the Senate not only undermines representation for Kogi Central but also exacerbates the existing gender disparity in the National Assembly, where the number of female senators has reportedly dropped from eight to just three.
Senator Natasha emphasized her active engagement during her suspension, including overseeing the installation of solar-powered streetlights, groundbreaking ceremonies for smart markets in local government areas, and distributing hundreds of laptops to students.
Reaffirming her commitment to her legislative priorities, she stated, “These are personal initiatives. I was hoping to finish the gold bill and move on to others like lithium and red mineral legislation. I can’t simply hand them over to others.”
She further stressed the broader implications of her absence: “By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central—it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight.”
While hopeful for her eventual reinstatement, Senator Natasha remains dedicated to her duties, regardless of ongoing challenges. She expressed confidence in the judiciary and vowed to continue delivering on her mandate, whether inside or outside the Senate.
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